The 4th of January marked the end of the school holidays. Gone were the long leisurely days at home. The first day of school is usually a day of excitement. New books, new school bags, new uniforms and new acquittances are the agenda for the day. To some, it is a day of anxiety and almost a harrowing experience especially to new students to the school. I spoke with three new students on their impression and experience on the first day in Sekolah Sri Cempaka. They were Samantha Lee, (Ex - SKBD student) Woon Tyen Yee, (Ex - SK Damansara Jaya ( 1 ) student) and Sara Nadyana (Ex - Sri KDU student).

I posed several questions to them. Their first impression of the school was good. All three said that it is much bigger than their previous school and is also much cleaner. Samantha likes the floating classes as it allows her a break between classes. All three felt that the co - curriculum in Sri Cempaka does not just focus on academic achievements but stresses also on being all rounders both in academics and cocuricular activities.
The academic achievements of students, the strict discipline and cocuricular activities were the main reasons their parents enrolled them to Sri Cempaka.

A school uniform should be smart, comfortable and one should be proud to be seen in it. Tyen Yee quipped, “ It is so cool to be able to leave your blouse out. ” On the other hand, Samantha said that the blazer keeps her warm in the cold classrooms. Sara reiterated that the school uniforms are similar to some British Schools.

“ The mentors were very helpful. They showed me around the school and helped me when I needed them, ’’ said Sara. The new students are paired up with mentors who are of the same house. The mentors help the new students feel at home.

School rules are there to instill discipline in students. A well-disciplined and respectful Cempakan will go a long way in life. The strict school rules and regulations was well accepted by the three of them.

It is an entirely new and exciting experience to all those entering secondary. The use of MacBooks in the classroom appealed to all three of them. “ Lessons are easier and more interesting with the MacBooks, ” said Samantha. “ School projects and homework can be easily researched with a MacBook, ” stressed Sara and Samantha.

Samantha commented that the tutor system is new to her and is confident that it will be beneficial to all the newcomers. Each student is assigned a personal tutor who is like a parent to the students in school. They ensure their wards are able to cope with the schoolwork and assignments.

The great thing about moving to a new school is making new friends. Sara is privileged to feel at home in Sri Cempaka as many of her ex - schoolmates have joined her in this school. Samantha said that it was not difficult to make new friends as everyone is friendly and kind. In addition to that, the teachers are also very committed to their vocation.

They find the school canteen clean and the menu is fairly good. Tyen Yee finds the chicken rice to be simply awesome! Sara finds the food a bit pricey whereas Samantha and Tyen Yee think that it is reasonable.

There’s no doubt that the Cempaka Box Office Production is always a hit. Sri Cempaka is never short of talents among its students. Samantha,Tyen Yee and Sara are keen to participate in it. This year, Cempaka is producing “ Beauty and The Beast ”.
“ I think Hairspray should be in the line up for next year’s production, ” said Sara.

Despite being in Sri Cempaka for only three weeks, they were unanimous in wanting to recommend the school to others.
So to all the freshies, we welcome you to the MIND , BODY and SOUL experience at Sri Cempaka!